The End Justifies the Means

A philosopher once said in one of his more controversial essays that 'The End Justifies the Means.' Through the ages this quotation could be applied, especially in today's society. This statement does have its positives and negatives. However, it still has some values. Most people look at this statement and ponder why this individual believes in such a thing. Believe it or not people do live like this and value it's simplicity. The statement is significant because it can justify many world issues that need to be addressed. However, this also brings on moral and ethical controversy.

What the statement 'The End Justifies the Means' means to me is simply this: The 'End' simply means that it is the end of a complex or simple goal. 'Justifies the Means' means that the 'End' or goal is more important than how you got there. Once a goal has been brought forth, reaching that goal is the only thing that matters from that point on. No matter what you do to reach the goal, the goal is the only thing that matters. It does not matter how you get there. It's simply that you do get there.

The World Wars are a prime example of the statement. Generally speaking wars are fought to gain peace. By this statement then recognizes the fact that peace is the end or goal of a war. Peace is generally the outcome of war. Therefore is it true to say that no matter how many people died during the World Wars the final goal of peace is finally attained. To everyone back home away from the war Peace was the hope. Thousands of soldiers died for peace. Peace was finally attained at the cost of someone's life. However if you subscribe to the theory that the end justifies the means that doesn't matter anymore now that peace was attained. So by saying that 'Peace justifies that thousands of people died to serve their country' is unjust.

Another example of the thesis statement is something that happens quite frequently in today's society. Eloping, sacrificing everything for love and happiness. My